The Phillies and the agent for Cole Hamels have picked up the pace of contract discussions in recent days, according to sources. Those intensified talks are an indication that Philadelphia has started a major push to sign the left-hander to an extension before the July 31 trade deadline. Meanwhile, teams that have been speaking with the Phillies about Hamels say they have essentially put trade talks on hold. "They want to sign him, and that's their priority," said an official of one club. "They're really not even entertaining (trade) offers at this point."